Rhanna's route to the stars

Rhanna Crawford (19) will be taught by those two stars and the likes of Steven Spielberg and Ben Stiller after she earned a scholarship to study at the New York Film Academy’s California campus.

The former Graeme High School pupil is currently studying an HND Acting and Performance at the City of Glasgow College, but will be moving to Los Angeles in September following her successful audition for the prestigious Acting for Film course.

Rhanna said: “I have wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember and have dreamed of studying at the New York Film Academy. My course at City of Glasgow College has been challenging but I’ve learnt so much about acting and I am so grateful to my lecturers there as I wouldn’t be where I am now without their guidance or support.

“When I auditioned for a place at the New York Film Academy, I had to perform two monologues and I was critiqued really harshly. I thought that meant they didn’t think I was good enough to get a place so I was shocked when they offered me a scholarship on the spot.

“Apparently they just wanted to see how well I could take direction and criticism.”

The New York Film Academy was founded by veteran producer Jerry Sherlock in 1992 and a whole host of Hollywood stars such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Glenn Close, Jonah Hill and Sir Ben Kingsley regularly share their knowledge and experience of working in the industry by giving guest lectures to students.

Rhanna said: “I can’t believe I’m getting an opportunity like this and can’t wait to start the course. The scholarship doesn’t cover everything but I am determined to raise the rest of the money I need to make my dream a reality.

“I work in a call centre and have been saving my wages, but also plan to look into sponsorship and holding fundraising events.”

The determined young actress recently performed as the female lead in City of Glasgow College’s production of Sinbad at The Tall Ship.

She said: “Being in the show was a great experience as I loved seeing how the audience reacted to my character. I loved having my family in the audience supporting me.”

Anne Macleod, Acting and Performance lecturer at City of Glasgow College, praised Rhanna for securing a coveted spot at the Academy.

She said: “Rhanna is such a hardworking and talented student. It is a delight to see her recognised and rewarded in this way by the New York Film Academy and I wish her well in California.”